Romans: A Letter That Makes Sense of Life

Product Information

On all my travels, if I had the Gospels, Paul’s letter to the Romans and Andrew Ollerton’s book I would need nothing else!’ This book unravels the good news of the gospel: that hope, freedom and salvation can emphatically impact and change those who encounter and receive it. The heart of God connecting with the lost, abandoned and broken in society who in turn are sent with the same transforming message. ― Nigel Langford, Bible Society

Have you ever attempted to read, let alone understand Romans? Andrew Ollerton is determined to make Romans accessible to the normal Christian. Key truths are stated, explained, illustrated and applied. The church owes Andrew a huge debt for opening up this glorious letter. ― Rico Tice, co-founder of Christianity Explored In some ways there is nothing new here, but how familiar ingredients are woven together into such a readable guide is quite an achievement. On Paul’s apparent citing of homosexual sex as emblematic of sin in Romans 1, Ollerton says that the issues are beyond the scope of his book. But he adds that the historic teaching of the Church is that gay sex contradicts the divine pattern, and his footnotes point to resources along this line. It is hard not to imagine young adults in a Romans study group dropping their digestives in their tea and exclaiming, “Whoa! Hang on a minute. . .” On all my travels, if I had the Gospels, Paul’s letter to the Romans and Andrew Ollerton’s book I would need nothing else!’ Sir David Suchet ST AUGUSTINE browsing in fourth-century Algeria; Luther studying in 16th-century Germany; Wesley listening in 18th-century London — many transformative moments in church history have been sparked by an encounter with St Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

Romans: A Letter That Makes Sense of Lifeis a perfect follow-up read for fans of Andrew's book The Bible: A Story That Makes Sense of Life, those who've recently completed The Bible Course, and readers who want a greater understanding of the book of Romans. In Romans, Paul is clearly concerned that the house churches in Rome don’t splinter into divisions and become suspicious of each other. The whole letter is designed to show that we are united through the gospel, even if we disagree on some secondary matters. I have found teaching through Romans increases unity. It helps us talk through differences in a more constructive way and galvanises people around a shared passion for mission. Romans is one of the great masterpieces of Scripture, and Dr Ollerton offers us an introduction to that masterpiece with the language, questions, and ideas of our world. His clear analogies, engaging communication and practical questions create an invitation to read this Gospel letter with confidence. ― Canon Sarah Yardley, Mission Lead of Creation Fest UK

Andrew’s historical insights and storytelling make it a great resource for small groups and I will be journeying through it again with friends. Ultimately, this book is a valuable reminder of the reality of the Gospel. ― Andy Frost, Share Jesus International I finished reading this book grateful for lively guide to the mountain range that is the letter to the Romans. If the letter is unfamiliar to or you need a refresher course; look no further. Fresh, succinct, simple, yet with depth and insight, this survey of Romans will be invaluable to new as well as seasoned readers

The Church Times Archive

Andrew Ollerton is author of the Bible Society’s Bible Course. Now comes his popular-level exposition of Romans, a companion book to the new online Romans Course from the same stable. Romans is the Himalayas of the Bible and Andrew Ollerton is your sure-footed guide. Read this one slowly, and with your Bible open; it will do you so much good. ― Glen Scrivener, author of The Air We Breathe

Join Dr Andrew Ollerton as he demystifies the book of Romans and equips us to share thegospel with confidence. It really helps to give people a route map through Romans, so they don’t feel lost and confused in the more detailed sections. I have developed the mountain metaphor as a visual way of imagining the whole letter: from the valley of sin [Romans 1-3], up to mountaineering the crux section of salvation [Romans 3-4], along the ridge of freedom [Romans 5-8] to the summit of hope [Romans 8-11). Then, ‘in view of God’s mercy’ we descend into more practical teaching [Romans 12-16]. Using this approach, or something similar, means each passage is framed by the whole and the series takes on a sense of adventure. Keep the main thing the main thing Each chapter includes suggested Bible readings and questions for reflection, making this book a great choice for devotional reading.A practical and rich companion to help you journey through the book of Romans. Deep theology sits wonderfully alongside